National Association of Pastoral Musicians
Detroit Chapter

NPM Detroit’s Composer’s Corner

Featuring local liturgical composers

Dr. Norah Duncan IV

Dr. Norah Duncan IV, DMA

Ye Shall Go Out with Joy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocZewKTA1Bg

Where the Joys and Hopes of Living

https://giamusic.com/resource/where-the-joys-and-hopes-of-living-print-g9021

I want Jesus to Walk with Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu4zewP-rRQ

Christ, the Victorious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbnphu1CX3A

Nobody Know the Trouble I’ve Seen

https://giamusic.com/resource/nobody-knows-the-trouble-ive-seen-print-g9776

Ubi Caritas (organ)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8yjddRLgK0

Postlude on “Go Tell it on the Mountain” (organ)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzhfEgHAXVc

Holy Name of Jesus Gloria

https://giamusic.com/resource/holy-name-of-jesus-glory-to-god-print-g8028

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGFrVizo_Zo&list=RDBGFrVizo_Zo&start_radio=1

Hold On!

https://giamusic.com/resource/hold-on-print-g9258

Sanctus, from Unity Mass

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-VZNQmBsME

Stations of the Cross

https://www.onelicense.net/search?term=Kneeling+in+the+garden+grass&hymnal=&hymn=&page=1&type=submit-term&addition=&downloads-only=false

Biography

Norah Duncan IV is Professor of Music in the Department of Music at Wayne State University. He served as department chair from 2013 to 2023.  Duncan received an undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit, a Master of Music degree from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan.

Duncan has performed extensively in both the United States and Europe and Australia. He was music director for the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament from 1980 to 2007. He was director of music for the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Detroit in 1987.  Because of his interest in Gregorian Chant, with the Benedictine Monastery in Solesmes, France, he established the Gregorian Institute of Detroit for the study of chant music. Norah has presented papers on liturgical music at international congresses, clinics and workshops in Rome, Dublin, and for the Diocese of Enugu and the Archdiocese of Abuja, in Nigeria.

Norah Duncan IV is the recipient of the Award for Excellence for Musical Direction presented by the American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C.; the Sr. Thea Bowman Award from the Archdiocese of Detroit; the Spirit of Detroit Award; and the Mother Teresa Duchemin Award for exemplary community service. In 2006, he became the first recipient of the Changing Lives Through Music Award presented by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In 2008, Wayne State University presented him with its Board of Governors Faculty Recognition Award for his contributions to academic excellence and scholarship. And in 2009, he was the recipient of an Alumni Award for community partnerships.  In 2024, he became the recipient of the WSU Murray Jackson Creative Scholar in the Arts Award, which is given to exceptional faculty to showcase their talent in pursuit of the university’s mission and goals.

Dr. Duncan was a member of both the editorial and advisory committees for the revision of "Lead Me, Guide Me," the African American Catholic Hymnal.  Several of his compositions are included in this hymnal, including the “Unity Mass,” the “Holy Name of Jesus,” and many settings of psalms and canticles.  Since the publication of “Lead Me, Guide Me,” In 2015, he was commissioned to write music for national NPM conventions, including “Where the Joys and Hopes of Living,” for the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of Gaudium et Spes.  During the height of the pandemic, Norah wrote a collection of African American spirituals for solo voice and piano.  All of his compositions are published by GIA Publications, Chicago, Illinois.

Norah Duncan IV, DMA

Professor of Music

Department of Music

Wayne State University

4841 Cass Avenue

Suite 1321 Old Main

Detroit, Michigan 48202





Upcoming Events

Bishop Mark Seitz Challenge

Bishop Mark Seitz issued a challenge to members of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) during the 2024 NPM Convention. He encouraged everyone to contribute what they can to support the financial needs of NPM. This initiative aims to foster the art of musical liturgy within the Catholic Church by ensuring the organization can continue its mission through the generosity of its members and supporters.

Are you interested in participating or learning more about this challenge?

NPM Detroit has collected and donated $450 at our events toward this challenge since July 2024.




Community Events

A calendar for all pastoral musicians in the Metro Detroit Area! Is your choir having a presentation? Have a concert in your parish? Let’s add it to the community calendar.

About Us

The National Association of Pastoral Musicians fosters the art of musical liturgy. The members of NPM serve the Catholic Church in the United States as musicians, clergy, liturgists, and other leaders of prayer. (NPM Mission Statement)

 

Resources for Choir Members and Music Directors

Contact Us!